Ask the Holistic Vet – September 2019

Holistic veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa answers questions about a Papillon dog with atrial enlargement, an aging cat, cats who eat grass, a cat with a stroke, and a boxer dog with eczema.

Each month Dr. Deva Khalsa V.M.D. answers questions on veterinary issues. Dr. Khalsa is a Fellow and Professor of the British Institute of Homeopathy. Send your questions to [email protected] by the 6th of the month to be included in that month’s issue.

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

I have a 10 year old Papillon dog who has had a chronic cough. The vet diagnosed atrial enlargement secondary to mitral valve insufficiency (stenosis). He said the atrium is rubbing against the trachea causing the cough. He prescribed Pimobendan. I’m trying:

Does this seem like the right protocol? Anything you would add or change? Other than the cough he seems fine and goes for walks with us. Is it possible to reverse this condition?

Thank you

Michael

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

The small breed dogs often have insufficient rings around the trachea. But, it does not show up until they are older. It’s called collapsing trachea and it does not show up on tests or regular x-ray films. The timing of the cough tells the story. If they cough when they change the flow of air suddenly through the trachea one can suspect this problem. For instance, (1) getting up from a reclining position (2) getting surprised (3) someone at the door…… will change the rate of flow of the air and then they cough open their trachea with a few hacks and then the cough stops. With congestive heart failure the cough occurs often after sleeping or lying if the lungs are pooling fluid. With the atrium rubbing against the trachea you would likely see the cough at any time. You say it is a chronic cough. Oftentimes that is the case with collapsing trachea so first we have to make sure we have the correct diagnosis. The heart muscle, with heart failure, tires out and gets weaker but the Crataegus is good to help that. A little magnesium (CALM product-unflavored) is very good for the heart.

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

My 13 year old cat is in good health, but slowing down. Is there anything I can do prophylactically to keep her in good health and stave off problems of aging?

Thank you

Emma R.

Dr. Deva Khalsa: Vital Vities for Cats by Deserving Pets is a human grade supplement that is microencapsulated, so it contains all that is needed for cats. Most vitamins for cats have very little in them, as cats are picky. Cats really like this one.

Hello Dr. Khalsa,

My two cats eat grass all the time, indoors (wheat grass) and out. They eat it with gusto. Is this a sign of some problem? One of them vomits after each time she eats grass. I’m wondering if that means she has parasites. If so, what is the safest way to get rid of them?

Thank you

Marty

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Pets eat grass as they need chlorophyll, and sometimes they do it when their digestion is not working. As far as having intestinal worms, why don’t you send in one sample to your veterinarian’s office? That said, if they have had fleas they likely have tapeworms, which do not show up in the normal fecal sample. Tapeworms are hard to get rid of and I use the regular drug, Droncit, for them.

I would recommend human chlorophyll in their food, just a small pinch of the powder, the Vital Vities for Cats by Deserving Pets and also Nux vomica 6x once in the evening for one month. And worming if they had fleas.

Dr. Khalsa,

My 13 year old cat had a small stroke and recovered with Arnica, but now she seems less focused, a bit apathetic, not her best self. Is there anything I can give her to further her healing?

Gratefully

Tricia

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

The first signs of a stroke in a cat are often general or partial seizures, while other common signs are: tilting of the head, loss of balance, some trouble with vision, falling and circling. Some of these symptoms can also be from inner ear infections. With this case I would prefer finding a constitutional remedy, but I do not have enough information to do this. You can try this remedy giving it every third day for 5 doses: Anacardium Orientale 200c

Dr. Khalsa,

Our 7 year old boxer “Bronco” has a dry eczema on his abdomen, for which the vet suggested topical treatment (which we haven’t done.). His skin is hot and red and there are scales. He’s constantly scratching them. We bathe him with the mildest soap, but he still smells bad. Is there anything homeopathic or dietary we could try?

Thank you

Ellen Morris

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Sounds to me like he has a yeast growing on his skin. This yeast likes to grow where the sun does not shine and it is very common in dogs. Please read these articles that I wrote.

About the author

Deva Khalsa

Dr. Deva Khalsa V.M.D. is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, a Fellow and Professor of the British Institute of Homeopathy and has lectured both nationally and internationally. She is the co-author of ‘Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies’ and Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog‘. Her practice includes homeopathy acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, nutrition, N.A.E.T, J.M.T. and other modalities. Her philosophy is to use whatever it takes to restore health. Dr. Khalsa’s practice is in New Zealand but she consults by internet and phone with pet owners from the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Europe and the UK. http://www.doctordeva.com